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Top StoriesApril 17, 1998New options for Ward Memorial HospitalBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer MONAHANS, April 17, 1998 - A few weeks ago it looked as if the only way to save Ward Memorial Hospital from ever-increasing budget and billing difficulties was to lease the hospital out to interested Community Health Care Systems. The hospital was floundering in the midst of a serious dilemma, with the unattractive options of raising taxes or reducing hospital services presenting themselves over and again, when it began taking offers last summer to lease out its facility. The favorite potential leasor, Community Health Care, was seeking a 30-year lease contract with Ward Memorial while offering to provide $8 million to the county up front. However, Community Health withdrew its bid after months of on and off negotiations. Ward Memorial Hospital Board Chairman Glen Vance said that the original, long-term lease offer from Community Health Care Systems was withdrawn by the company possibly because of the length of the negotiations (which began in October last year) and the fact that they "got a look at our financials and maybe didn't think their offer would be substantive." At last night's hospital board meeting, two more interested parties entered the conversation: Lubbock Methodist Hospital System, managing system for, among others, Reeves County Hospital, and Midland Memorial Hospital. Both proposals were for management contracts and both, according to Vance, have their advantages. Both Lubbock Methodist and Midland Memorial offered to supply a hospital administrator, the cost of which would be absorbed by the hospital. Midland Memorial, with no prior experience in outside management contracts, said Vance, also asked for an additional $5,000 monthly fee for services. "We are in dire need of good management," said Ward County Judge Sam Massey, "We heard reports from people in Pecos and Lovington (N.M.) where they are running similar-sized hospitals in similar-sized communities with staffs of 80-110 people and we employ 167 people. We have some real problems." Massey said he felt confident that the hospital board would make a good decision regarding management and thought both Midland Memorial and Lubbock Methodist had good offers. Because of a hospital circulated petition, which gathered 11,000 signatures demanding a referendum on the CHC offer, Ward county will hold a county-wide election on Saturday, May 2, to decide whether or not to lease the hospital. According to Massey, there are no longer any such offers on the table. Massey said that there had been as many as five separate offers to lease the hospital at one point, the best of which was made by Community Health Care Services. "Midland Memorial then offered to provide the same services (as CHC) in a verbal presentation," said Massey this morning, "and we waited to give them the opportunity to make a presentation." That second offer, said Massey, was "not as good as we were led to believe." Community Health Care withdrew its original lease offer, he said, because of a second look at the hospital's finances and lack of support from the hospital staff. No action was taken at last night's meeting. The board will meet again at it regularly-scheduled Tuesday, April 21, board meeting. Family drug trial completedBy PEGGY McCRACKEN Staff Writer PECOS, April 17, 1998 - Three members of a Pecos family charged with organized criminal activity entered guilty pleas this morning in 143rd District Court and were placed on community supervision, with adjudication deferred. Frank William Bechtel, 43, Alta Ruth Bechtel, 47, and their son, Skyler Avery Bechtel, 18, admitted possessing marijuana. Skyler also admitted delivering cocaine to an undercover officer. Bill and Alta were placed on six years community supervision, with a $1,500 fine, restitution and court costs. Skyler will serve concurrent 10-year community supervision terms, pay $1,500 fines and restitution on both counts. District Judge Bob Parks placed Skyler on intensive supervision for three to 12 months, which means he must report to the probation officer at least twice a week. Should they successfully complete the terms of community supervision, the conviction will not be final, leaving them with a clean criminal record. Bechtel said this morning they plan to move to Austin for a new start. He has resigned his position as dispatcher with the Department of Public Safety, and Alta resigned as secretary at the Texas State School in Pyote. Skyler, who admitted selling marijuana from the family home at 902 S. Hickory St. -near Pecos Kindergarten, said he has received counseling and has spoken to school children about the dangers of using drugs as part of his rehabilitation. Besides the organized criminal activity charge, Skyler allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover officer on Nov. 20 and 22, 1997, and marijuana on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 1997. The city-county narcotics team obtained a search warrant for the Bechtel home following the Dec. 10 sale, which occurred in front of the house. During the search, officers found 5.5 ounces of marijuana, scales and roach clips in the master bedroom. Arrest of all three followed, and they were indicted the next day. Pecos Police investigator Paul Deishler seized the home and the family was required to move out temporarily. District Judge Bob Parks allowed them to return home on the condition they return it to the state in good condition at the time of forfeiture. Deishler said the family is negotiating with the state on the forfeiture, which was not on today's docket. Judge Parks warned the family that deferred adjudication is a two-edged sword. "You have the right to ultimately clean up your record, but the court has a pretty big hammer. A third-degree felony (marijuana possession) carries a penalty of 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A second degree (cocaine delivery) is 2-20 years." Their attorney Scott Johnson, also warned his clients that the judge can assess the full punishment should they violate any term of their community supervision. "I am not expecting to see you back," said Judge Parks. "But if you are, you have to recognize the seriousness of this offense; when we have people who are respected employees of the state in this situation." Fallen Texas lawman honored in BarstowBy CARA ALLIGOOD Staff Writer BARSTOW, April 17, 1998 - This chilly, overcast morning was an apt setting as a monument honoring Texas Highway Patrolman Joseph Newton Avary, who was killed in the line of duty, was dedicated at the scene of his death, about a mile east of Barstow on Highway 80. Officers of area law enforcement agencies attended the ceremony along with officials from both Reeves and Ward counties. The monument is one of a series of such memorials to fallen Texas lawmen who died in the line of duty. The series of monuments dot the roadways of Texas through the efforts of Rick Metcalf, because of an act of kindness shown to him by a trooper who was later killed in the line of duty. Reverend James Sain of West Park Baptist Church in Pecos gave the invocation at the beginning of the ceremony and Pecos Department of Public Safety Sgt. Harvey Stamper read the dedication of the monument. Avary was killed in an accident while pursuing a traffic violator May 17, 1935, after being stationed in Pecos for two years. He had been with the highway patrol since Oct. 14, 1931. Avary was born July 1, 1906, and was 28 at the time of his death. Avary is survived by his wife, Clarice Alice Avary and three children, one of whom was an infant only three weeks old at the time of his father's death. Funeral services were held in Pecos, then his body was taken to Beaver City, Neb. for burial. According to newspaper accounts of his death, Avary had the reputation of being an honest and efficient officer who was very highly regarded by his fellow officers. Stars on display in Texas parksBy GREG HARMAN Staff Writer PECOS, April 17, 1998 - First there was the soon-to-be retracted prediction of a "killer" asteroid smashing into the Earth. Then the two curious racquetball-sized chunks of space debris landed in Monahans. Now, those with a zest for the "great beyond" of ever-expanding crab nebulas, black holes and other majestic extra-terrestrial sights, are offered a closer look at the world beyond at two free "star parties" being held this weekend. The first will be held in the parking lot of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 17. The free event will be hosted by Matt Bridges, of Fort Davis. The following evening, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) will pool their resources for an evening of slides and stars beginning at 7 p.m., April 18, at the Visitor Center of the national park. The slide presentation, entitled "A Journey Through Space," will emphasize objects that can be seen with telescopes provided by TASS and the park, including Orion nebulae in our Milky Way galaxy and deep sky objects outside of our galaxy. After the slide show, actual star viewing will be held, weather permitting. Also, friends of Guadalupe National Park may be interested in registering for an upcoming research and resource management symposium to be held from Wednesday, April 22, to Saturday, April 25, at the Pecos River Village in Carlsbad, N.M. Titled, "25 Years of Cultural and National Stewardship at Guadalupe Mountains National Park," the symposium will highlight research and resource management activities that have occurred since the establishment of the park. Balmorhea housing to be discussedPECOS, April 17, 1998 - A letter to HUD regarding the Balmorhea Housing Authority management disbandment as resolved by the BHA Board of commissioners will be the topic of discussion at the Pecos Housing Authority Board of Directors regular meeting. The group will meet at 5 p.m. today at the PHA/FLH, administration office, 600 Meadowbrook Drive. The group will also discuss the CIAP 96 budget revision by HUD engineer, Mike Long andCIAP 96 field report of March 17, by Architect Shane Sigrist. The group will listen to a CIAP 96 update. Under new business a resolution and approval to open bids for FY Jan. 1, 1997 and Dec. 31, 1997 audit will be discussed and a resolution to clean up airbase vacant lots and remove idle telephone poles and disposal of transmitters as proposed by Red Simpson Inc. Approval of inventory and sales of salvageable equipment, materials, etc., from the 1996 CIAP renovation project in accordance to the PHA Disposition policy is also on the agenda. Approval of employees' wage increase for FY 1998 will be discussed along with the regular item agendas such as monthly income and expense report, accounts payable and occupancy report. In the Farm Labor Housing portion of the meeting the group will discuss a resolution and approval of FLH Board for FY April 1, 1998 and March 31, 1999; approval for accountant for FLH project with Lindsey Company; approval of turnover FY 1997 collection losses for Sonia Wilson Rayos, $111, Esmilda Martinez, $275, Jaime Valenzuela, $33, Maria Serna, $108, Felip Cabada, $225 and Patricia Tapia, $33 plus $238 previous balance. Approval of employees wage increase for FY 1998 will also be discussed along with regular agenda items for the Farm Labor Housing. RCDC expansion moving smoothlyBy RICK L. SMITH Staff Writer PECOS, April 17, 1998 - Walls are up and workers are beginning to place the roof and interior fixings on the day room expansion at the Reeves County Detention Center. The expansion is expected to be completed by June 22, according to Arnie Babillo, project supervisor. The expansion of the detention center will add 300 beds to the facility, increasing its capacity from about 700 inmates to around 1,000. Completion of the expansion is expected to add 30 new jobs at the facility, increase RCDC annual revenues from $8 million to $12 million and pump almost $4 million annually into the county's economy, Reeves County Commissioners have said. Commissioners expect the additional jail space will be sold to law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Marshal's office and Immigration and Naturalization Services for $36.50 per day to pay for the expansion. Once the current expansion is completed commissioners hope to construct an additional 1,000-bed jail adjoining the present facility. Ground was broken for the expansion Dec. 10, 1997. The day room expansion will include facilities such as televisions, game tables and crafts. Current areas for day activities will be removed and more beds added in their place. The existing commissary will be housed with a new building along with the day room. Existing space for the commissary will be used to house warden offices. "Everything has been going remarkably smooth for a project this size," said RCDC Warden Rudy Franco. CRIME OF THE WEEKPECOS, April 17, 1998 - Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 in reward for information leading to the arrest and Grand Jury indictment of person(s) responsible for the incident described below. Anyone having any information on this crime or any other crime including narcotics can call "Crime Stoppers" at 445-9898 and you will remain anonymous. On April 23, 1997 at approximately 2:09 a.m., the Pecos Police Department responded to an alarm activation at Ernie's Smoke Shop, located at 711 West Third Street. Upon arrival, the officers observed damage to the back door. The person or persons were unable to gain entry due to two 2x4 boards behind the door. POLICE REPORTPECOS, April 17, 1998 - EDITOR'S NOTE: Information contained in the Police Report is obtained from reports filed by the Pecos Police Department, Reeves County Sheriff's Office, or other officers of those agencies. The serving of warrants by an officer for outstanding fines of either traffic citations, animal control violations or other court costs are considered arrests and will be printed as such unless indicated that the fines were paid. In such instances we will indicate payment and release. If police are unable to fully identify a person who is arrested, the incomplete information will not be published. *** Cassandra Capriotti, 17, Duvall Rd., was arrested at 11:40 a.m. April 9 at Pecos High School on a warrant for failure to attend school. *** Jesus Mendoza, 25, 801 Jackson, was arrested at 10:37 p.m. April 9 at the police department on a warrant service, paid the fine and was released. *** Johnny Valencia, 35, 207 N. Oak, was arrested at 2:12 a.m. April 10 at 9th and Cedar on a warrant service. *** Leticia Rodriguez, 25, 521 S. Walnut, was arrested at 11:07 a.m. April 10 on a warrant for telephone harassment. *** Walter Stephens, 25, Hwy. 80 and Western Rd., was arrested at 11:13 a.m. April 10 on a warrant for telephone harassment. *** Johnny Valencia, 35, 207 N. Oak, was arrested at 11:09 a.m. April 10 on a warrant service. *** Fernando Orona, 38, 601 S. Plum, was arrested at 7:42 p.m. April 10 in the 600 block of S. Plum for assault by threat under the family violence act. *** Ruben Hernandez, 17, 221 N. Cedar, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. April 11 in the 1500 block of S. Eddy, during a traffic stop, for public intoxication. *** Joel Jaramillo, 27, 2208 Limpia Rd., was arrested at 12:23 a.m. April 13 at the north side park for public intoxication. *** Vicki Ocon, 25, 1005 S. Pecan, was arrested at 10:20 a.m. April 13 for telephone harassment. *** Between 7 and 9:30 p.m. April 1, a car in Balmorhea was scratched in a circular pattern on top. *** Steve Charles Rivers, 31, a transient, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. April 3 at the Saragosa Mission for public intoxication. *** A house in Toyah was broken into between 8 a.m. March 26 and 11:30 a.m. April 7 and the carpet was burned with a cigarette in three different places. *** A ½-horsepower motor was stolen out of an evaporative cooler at the Toyah Community Club sometime before 10:30 a.m. on April 5. ObituaryApril 17, 1998Ernesto RochaErnesto Rocha, 60, of Van Horn, died Thursday, April 9, 1998, in California. Mass was be held today, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Van Horn. Burial will be in Van Horn Cemetery. Rocha was born Jan. 11, 1938, in Bavicoda, Chih., Mexico. He was a heavy machine operator working in the construction business, a lifetime Van Horn resident and a Catholic. He was preceded in death by his mother Josefina Enriquez Rocha. Survivors include: his wife, Maria Luz Gomez of Van Horn; his father, Jose Dolores Navarez Rocha of Baldwin Park, Calif.; one son, Ernest Rocha Jr. of Dallas; four daughters, Lupe Garcia of Van Horn, Esther Garcia of Van Horn, Josefina Sanchez of Odessa and Concha Edwards of Tuskegee, Ala.; one brother, Marcos Rocha of Baldwin Park, Calif.; and 10 granchildren. Martinez Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. WEATHERPECOS, April 17, 1998 - High Thursday, 76, low this morning, 44. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast across most of Texas tonight and Saturday. It will be partly to mostly cloudy across West Texas with a chance of rain in the areas east of the mountains through Saturday. Lows tonight will be in the 30s and 40s in West Texas, highs Saturday will be in the 60s and 70s in West Texas.
Pecos Enterprise
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